THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	181
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS, DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES, UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII, AND LAND USE COMMISSION TO PROVIDE ENHANCED PUBLIC NOTICE FOR CHANGES IN LAND USE OR BOUNDARY CHANGES.

WHEREAS, the public would benefit from more transparency in the State's construction permitting process; and

WHEREAS, in some cases, neighborhoods and communities have not been adequately informed about a project's impacts on health and safety, cultural practices, wildlife, the ecosystem, or the environment; and

WHEREAS, the protests that occurred in response to the Kahuku windmill project, Thirty Meter Telescope, and other construction projects demonstrated the consequences of foregoing community involvement; and

WHEREAS, an enhanced notice process, including public meetings, would give affected communities the opportunity to become informed and provide input; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Department of Land and Natural Resources, University of Hawaii, and Land Use Commission are requested to provide enhanced public notice for changes in land use or boundary changes; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the enhanced public notice is requested to:

(1) Be provided within thirty days of the filing of a permit application;

(2) Include at least three public meetings or hearings; and

(3) Be provided through newspaper publication, by mail to affected residents, and on the department or agency's website; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Hawaiian Home Lands, Chair of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, President of the University of Hawaii, and Chair of the Land Use Commission.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Land Use Changes; Boundary Changes; Enhanced Public Notice